(DES MOINES, Iowa)
– Iowa
school children in grades 6 -12 are competing this month in National History Day
district competitions, with trips to the state and national finals on the line.

National History Day is
an exciting academic-enrichment program that helps students learn about historical
issues, ideas, people, and events. The year-long academic adventure fosters students’
enthusiasm for learning and their love for history.

The program encourages
students to use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject
of their choice related to the annual theme. The theme for 2005 is “Communication
in History: The Key to Understanding.”

“Nearly every year,
we have 500 to 600 Iowa school children in Des Moines for the state contest,”
the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Naomi Peuse said. “From that
pool, 50 to 60 will be selected to attend the national event in June at the University
of Maryland.”

Iowa’s first district
competition was held February 26, 2005, in Mason City. Additional district competitions
are scheduled for:

Date: Tuesday,
March 8Location:
The History Center, Cedar Rapids
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sponsor: The History Center

Working individually or
collaboratively in groups of 2 to 5, students produce historical documentaries,
exhibits, dramatic performances, or historical papers. Students in grades 6 through
12 may choose to participate in the national event cycle by presenting their research
at a competitive series of local, district, state, and national events. Students
in grades 4 and 5 may participate in the noncompetitive Iowa Youth Division.

National History Day promotes
a number of skills that students need for a successful future.

integrates the arts, social
sciences, and other disciplines into an historical presentation

fosters pride in and understanding
of local, state, national, and world heritage

develops creativity, improves
self-esteem and a positive experience of history and learning

is the number one reason
students benefit from NHD: National History Day makes learning fun

The National History Day
program provides teachers an innovative teaching tool to teach important skills
in a fun and engaging format. NHD requires students to do the job of a historical
detective. Participants must delve into primary sources, develop original historical
conclusions, and present their work in a creative forum. In short, National History
Day is designed to revolutionize the teaching and learning of history.

NHD also promotes continuing
education opportunities for teachers. Introductory and training workshops are
offered by both the state and the national staff, as well as several district
History Day programs.

To encourage the study
of history by teaching students to express themselves creatively through presentations
of historical topics and materials in a variety of formats.

To interest students in
learning about history by integrating the materials and methods of social studies,
art, literature, language, and music into their entries.

To develop research and
reading skills and to refine presentation skills in writing, visual projects,
and performances.

To develop critical thinking
and problem-solving skills that will help students manage and use information
effectively now and in the future.

To encourage students
to develop a sense of history as a process and change, a multifaceted development
over time that affects every aspect of human life and society.

To get students out of
the school building and into the community, investigating local history.

To involve parents and
other members of the community in students' education.

To expose students to
new and exciting educational environments by holding contests on college campuses
and at historical societies.

To help create better
educated citizens.

To prepare the next generation
of Iowa scholars and employees.

To aid teachers, parents,
and schools in their efforts to provide educational opportunities for their children.

The National History Day
in Iowa program has been coordinated by the State Historical Society of Iowa since
1994. Major funding comes from the State Historical Society of Iowa, Inc. of Iowa
City, a federal earmark, and Cargill. The NHD in Iowa staff may be reached at: